It was one of those moments. Provence is still unveiling them, dropping them into my palm like stones in an ever-widening pond. Even after all these years…
Remi and I had already had a great afternoon in the Camargue, one where we were finally able to push past the tourist tainted scenery into something that made our hearts sing with excitement and feel as if we were both travelers again.
It was a day of business and pleasure with the former rounding out the last of the afternoon light.
But it was not quite over, no, not yet for as we turned towards north towards Arles…
…we were dumbfounded to find a herd of the horses of the Camargue, the wild horses of the Camargue, gathered right by the side of the road. We pulled over and approached quietly, not wishing to disturb the sleep of those that leant towards each other, nostrils turned away from the saline sea winds.
They have been in the region for as long as man, possibly since the Paleolithic period. It is believed that they were cherished by the Romans and indeed Remi told me that Julius Caesar’s cavalry was composed of not Italian but rather French (then German) riders. Why not think then that he was fond of this sturdy strong breed? It is known that later kings of France would forcibly take riders and these steeds and haul them into combat. The Brotherhood of the Gardians was formed over 500 years ago to end that practice and yet the riders are still practicing their skills today as France’s cowboys in herding the wild bulls that also roam this delta – half-sea, half-land.
But there were no sun-worn ranch-hands about, just these stately figures on an open plain. They let us observe them and most likely could sense our admiration; these creatures so ancient that they could nearly be ghosts from another time, were it not for their cut short snorts and rippled muscles moving under their white coats covering deep black skins.
In the ten years that we have lived in Provence, we have never seen them at such a proximity. Eventually they turned tail and waded out into the marshes and left us grinning, gifted. Thank you la Provence, merci la Camargue, au revoir les chevaux…
Have a wonderful weekend everyone. I hope that you have a few fine surprises of the good kind and enjoy these days either turning towards fall or spring…
Thanks beautiful Jeanne. I have some catching up that I need to do chez toi…
Of course I do. But they were sleeping. We let them be. I loved having horses out at our small farm. Did you ever drive by to see it? I am curious if it is still there but am afraid to google earth it in case there is a McMansion in its stead…
Always happy to share my toys in the sandbox, Edgar. 🙂
Oh Bonnie, you really made me giggle. Thank you, I needed that…
De rien.
I have seen clips from it, Jackie. I need to see the whole thing! Especially as it is a short film, isn't it?
I knew you would see that heart, Sister! Thank you for all of your kind words here and always…love you…
I am very glad to hear that Rosie. 🙂